Dual British nationals have been cautioned that they may be denied entry into the United Kingdom starting February 25 if they attempt to travel without a valid British passport. The warning follows new border control measures introduced by the UK Home Office as part of updated travel and immigration procedures.
Under the revised requirements, all travelers heading to the United Kingdom must obtain prior authorization before departure unless they are British or Irish citizens, or fall within specific exemption categories. Short-term visitors will now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which carries a fee of £16.
However, the changes significantly affect dual British nationals. Individuals holding both British and another nationality will no longer be permitted to travel using only their non-British passport. Instead, they must present a valid British passport upon arrival. Alternatively, they may apply for a “certificate of entitlement,” an official document that confirms their right of abode in the UK. This certificate, which must be attached to their foreign passport, costs £589 and is required to board flights, ferries, or trains bound for the UK.
Many affected families have expressed frustration, arguing that the policy shift was not clearly communicated and imposes a substantial financial burden. Critics say the high cost of the certificate particularly impacts households with multiple dual-national members.
In response, a Home Office spokesperson confirmed that from February 25, 2026, dual British citizens must show either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to prevent border delays. Officials emphasized that the new policy is part of a wider digital transformation initiative designed to modernize border processes, enhance security, and strengthen immigration controls.
Meanwhile, advocacy group The 3 million has urged the government to reconsider the cost and complexity of the requirement. The organization has called for a more affordable, one-time authorization system similar to Canada’s model, warning that British citizens should not face barriers returning to their own country.
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